Allergy Testing, Immune Testing – What does it all mean?

Allergy Testing, Immune Testing - What does it all mean? By LuCinda Miller and Dr. Marie Starling At The Healing Center, Dr. Starling uses many types of tests to determine the underlying issues creating symptoms in our patients. Food is one piece of your overall health and must be tested to determine what variety of problem is present, such as if it is to be permanently avoided, permanent but manageable or can be completely reset. Allergy testing varies greatly and each test looks at a slightly different piece of the picture, much like comparing apples to oranges. Today we are providing you a synopsis of some of the most common tests, what they look at, and their known strengths and limitations. WHAT THEY LOOK AT: IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE are known as Immunoglobulins or more commonly referred to as antibodies.  Immunoglobulins are secreted by the immune system in response to what the immune system perceives as a foreign invader.  These invaders can be viruses, bacteria, fungus/mold, foods, or environmental substances.   The immune system uses these Immunoglobulins to “tag” the invader to then be targeted and killed.  IgE responses are easy to diagnose as they provide immediate symptoms such as hives, rash, anaphylaxis.  IgA, IgG, and IgM reactions are more difficult to diagnose since the reaction is delayed and can occur up to 6 months after exposure.  Delayed symptoms can come on subtly and can include headaches, joint pain, and eczema to name a few. IgA Considered first line of defense 80% of IgA is found in the body’s mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive tracts, also eyes...